WEST BALI NATIONAL PARK

WEST BALI NATIONAL PARK IS NATURE CONSERVATION WITH A PURE ECOSYSTEM

West Bali National Park is a nature conservation area that has a well-preserved natural ecosystem and is managed with specific zones for various purposes such as research, education, tourism, and recreation. It is located in the western part of Bali Island, with stunning scenery, unique natural ecosystems, and fresh air. It is known as West Bali National Park by locals and is one of the popular tourist destinations in Negara Regency, which is often visited by tourists. Its function as a vast nature conservation area makes it very important to protect rare and endangered flora and fauna on Bali Island. It is hoped that with the existence of West Bali National Park, the preservation of flora and fauna on the island can be well maintained and not experience extinction. The sustainable natural atmosphere with lush trees and the presence of animals that are free to roam throughout the forest creates its own comfort for visitors, coupled with the sound of chirping birds and animal sights that make you feel happy when you see them.

If you visit West Bali National Park, here’s what you need to know:

• Location of West Bali National Park
• West Bali National Park Generally
• Topographic of West Bali National Park
• Flora and Fauna at West Bali National Park
• What to do at West Bali National Park
• Menjangan Islands part of West Bali National Park

Location of West Bali National Park

West Bali National Park is located on the western part of Bali Island, quite far from Denpasar city center, taking about 4 hours by car. It is close to Gilimanuk Harbor, about 4 hours away from Bali International Airport. Some area of the park is in Grokgak sub-district, Singaraja district, while other areas are in Melaya sub-district, Jembrana district. Since it is located on the main road to Gilimanuk Port, access is easy. However, it is important to remember that traveling there requires stamina due to the long distance. If you want to explore the West Bali National Park on your own, you can use Google Maps for navigation. However, if you want a more organized trip, Bali Driver Hire can help with its Bali Car Charter service, which offers affordable prices and excellent service. Thus, your trip to West Bali National Park will be a pleasant and not boring experience.

West Bali National Park Generally

West Bali National Park is located in the western part of Bali Island, Indonesia, precisely in Jembrana Regency. According to the decision of the Minister of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia listed in official letter number 493/Kpts-II/1995, the area of West Bali National Park reaches 19,002.89 hectares, consisting of a terrestrial area of 15,587.89 hectares and a water area of 3,415 hectares. This National Park is one of the important conservation areas for flora and fauna on the island of Bali. The main purpose of establishing West Bali National Park is to protect the flora and fauna that face the threat of extinction in Bali. The functions of this National Park include:

1. West Bali National Park serves as a conservation and protection site for the Bali Starling population, which is the symbol of Bali Island and endemic to the island. In addition, the park also aims to preserve other ecosystems, such as coral reefs, mangroves, coastal forest ecosystems, lowland forest ecosystems, and mountains, as an integral part of the life support system. The main goal is to maintain the authenticity, integrity, and natural diversity of these diverse ecosystems in order to optimally support life.
2. Preserving the diversity of flora and fauna species, as well as their ecosystems, aims to protect, restore authenticity, develop populations, and maintain genetic diversity within the West Bali National Park area from human disturbance.
3. Sustainable use of Living Natural Resources and Ecosystems aims for various purposes, such as:
   • As a field laboratory for researchers to develop science and technology.
   • As an education center to improve the knowledge and skills of the community.
   • As a tourist destination in the special use zone, with the possibility of building tourism facilities.

Topographic of West Bali National Park

West Bali National Park is a green area that stretches along the main road Denpasar – Gilimanuk – Singaraja, with a length of about 150 kilometers. The topography of the park is highly varied, including mountains, hills, valleys, bays, and seas. About 71% of the park’s total area consists of mountains that function as protected forests, providing habitat for a variety of animals such as deer, wild boar, lions, bats, and others. Meanwhile, a flat area of about 29% lies north of the main Gilimanuk – Singaraja road until it reaches the Java Sea. From a conceptual perspective, this area can be considered as a “Giri”, or mountain surrounded by forest (Wanagiri). According to the manuscript of Kidung Utama Tantri, the words “Ning Wana Ukir” indicate that the philosophy of Wana Giri is well illustrated to describe the whole world.

Flora and Fauna at West Bali National Park

West Bali National Park has extraordinary potential in terms of flora and fauna, including rare, protected, and abundant species. This area is also known for its stunning natural habitat and geomorphology, as well as its pristine natural beauty. There are potential and complete ecosystems, including marine waters, beaches, coastal areas, lowland forests, and mountains, which provide a natural home for a variety of natural life. High biodiversity is evident in the presence of coral reefs and other marine life, mangrove vegetation, brackish swamp forests, savannas, and monsoon forests. West Bali National Park is also a refuge for around 160 species of protected animals and plants. The potential flora and fauna in it is very diverse, including 14 protected plant species such as Sawo Kecik (Manilkara Kauki) and Sono Keling (Dalbergia Latifolia). In terms of fauna, there is the Born Bali Starling (Leucopsar Rothscildi), which is endemic to Bali Island, and its habitat is still natural in this national park, especially in Prapat Agung and its surroundings. In addition, there are also various animals such as cows, deer, jungle cats, gray monkeys, black monkeys, several types of reptiles, and 60 deer fawns. The park’s coral reefs also exhibit highly variable conditions, with a unique combination of habitats. In 1998, there were 110 coral species, including 22 mushroom corals, and up to now, 222 species of fish have been recorded living in the waters of this national park.

What to do at West Bali National Park

West Bali National Park is managed by zones that include the main zone, forest zone, and exploitation zone. The main zone is an area that should be strictly protected and should not be altered by humans except for research purposes. The forest zone serves as a guardian of the main zone and allows activities similar to those in the main zone, including limited tourism activities. The exploitation zone can conduct activities similar to those in the two zones, including the construction of nature tourism facilities and other infrastructure to support conservation efforts. Below are the activities that visitors can enjoy when visiting this national park:

• Trekking: You can go trekking in West Bali National Park to enjoy its natural beauty. By trekking, you can explore this West Bali conservation area and observe the unspoiled flora and fauna. This is a great option for those who want to experience the existence of rare and endangered forests and enjoy the fresh air in an enchanting forest environment. During the trekking trip, you will see a wide variety of rare plants, endangered Balinese starlings, free-roaming deer, and other animals that are protected due to their endangered habitat.
• Snorkeling or Diving: If you are interested in marine life, you can enjoy snorkeling and diving in one of the best-preserved marine ecosystems in Indonesia. Here, you will find a pristine marine ecosystem and a variety of beautiful marine life. One of the best places to snorkel or dive is on Menjangan Island, which has a unique habitat that cannot be found anywhere else in Bali. As part of the Coral Triangle, Menjangan Island offers a rare and exotic coral landscape, as well as a variety of unusual tropical fish species. It’s clear, calm waters with minimal currents make it well-suited for diving, especially for beginners who want to experience the underwater beauty safely.

Menjangan Islands part of West Bali National Park

West Bali National Park is so vast that it includes the beautiful Menjangan Island. Menjangan Island, located in the north of Bali, can be reached by boat, as it is separated only by the ocean. The name “Menjangan” comes from the local deer population that is often found on the island. These deer migrate to and from Menjangan Island every year. The migration involves traveling 1.2 miles across the sea between Menjangan Island and the Prapat Agung Peninsula through calm waters. The deer’s migration journey is extremely challenging, requiring them to cross the sea with the risk of drowning and bad weather. Although Menjangan Island does not allow camping as there are no lodging facilities on the island, around 16 Hindu monks live in the three temples there. These three temples, along with the mooring port, are the only human-made structures on the island. Menjangan Island offers a very beautiful and natural landscape. If you are in the western region of Bali, it is best to visit one of the Jembrana places of interest, the West Bali National Park, which includes Menjangan Island, and enjoy the natural beauty it has to offer.